Taiwan's growing fighter gap with China

Taiwan’s current inventory comprises 18 fighter squadrons with a nominal strength of 387 fighters of U.S., French and indigenous origins: 145 F-16A/Bs, 126 Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDF), 56 Mirage 2000-5s and 60 F-5E/Fs.

Originally the Taiwanese wanted the F404 for Ching Kou/IDF. F404 was withheld from them previously, but its not a high priority nowadays. We should sell them used F404’s when they begin retiring off the F/A-18A’s and B’s so that they can redevelop the Ching Kou into an F404 user. This would finally give them the middle weight fighter they’ve needed. Add in the F-16C/D Block 50/52 order, 66 airframes, and Taiwan looks more likely they can fend off an invasion. What’s the chance that Taiwan could replace their 60-odd F-5’s with an F/A-50 light fighter?

Taiwan is no less valuable today as a bargaining chip then it was the day the blues retreated to it’s security. It’s security should be a higher priority for the western powers. It’s the ace in the hole when it comes to future Chinese aggression with it’s neighbors. Giving away Taiwan destabilizes the whole region IMO.